Didcot Town 0-3 Berkhamsted

Didcot slumped to their fifth successive league defeat in losing 3-0 to Berkhamsted at the Loop Meadow on Saturday afternoon. Two goals in the first fifteen minutes proved sufficient and although the Railwaymen improved markedly thereafter their Hertfordshire visitors were comfortable enough in claiming the points, even though a third goal towards the end meant the final result was a touch harsh on the home side.

Poor starts have dogged Didcot so far this season; in five out of their seven league games they have conceded a goal in the first thirteen minutes. Unfortunately the Railwaymen were 2-0 down over that same period on this occasion. A slick move carved open the Diddy backline and Alie Bangura arrived at the back post to notch the opening goal after nine minutes before a shot from distance by Lucas Kirkpatrick eluded the grasp of keeper Leigh Bedwell and doubled Berko’s advantage.

Didcot were favoured by a strong wind in the first half and in part through it wreaking havoc with Berkhamsted’s defending, came close to reducing the arrears. Sam Barder fired a shot on goal that was blocked but the ball spun up into the air allowing Connor Ferguson to plant a header that hit the outside of the post and bounced wide. Soon afterwards a back pass caught the wind and keeper Xavier Leon was forced to head clear. A defender slipped putting George Jeacock in on goal, but Leon spread himself well to block the effort.

Diddy continued to have more of the ball but the Comrades achieved their objective in reaching half time without their goal being breached, thereby having a two goal advantage and favourable elements for the second half. Berkhamsted almost capitalised immediately but from Sam Doolan’s header Bedwell pulled off a point blank save. The corner prompted a goal-line melee with the ball being eventually scrambled to safety.

Berko were content to wind down the clock as the Railwaymen toiled in vain to create any openings and consequently the match fizzled out to a bland stalemate for the majority of the second half. However, Didcot unintentionally livened the contest up by blundering away a third goal in the 88th minute. Bedwell’s rushed clearance found Barder but the Diddy captain failed to control and Bangura was on hand to ambush him, round the stranded Bedwell and roll the ball into an empty net.

The run of defeats is alarming, but Didcot have shown signs in their two recent games that if they can start better, they are capable of arresting the slide. A Halloween trip to sixth placed Barton Rovers is the Railwaymen’s next assignment.

Didcot: L Bedwell; Fry; Wheeler; Giles (Evans 84); Gilmore; Heapy; Dark (McKirnan 46); Barder; Ferguson; Jeacock (Deabill 46); Thomas.

Subs not used: Hayward; McEachran.